In the year A.D. 57, a man named Paul wrote a letter to some Christian believers in Rome. In this letter, Paul gave one of the clearest understandings that has ever been written on the subject of the gospel of grace.

No matter what church you attend I'm sure you have heard the all familiar term "the gospel." But what is it? We've all been told to go preach the gospel to every creature, but how can we, unless it is clearly understood?

In Paul's letter to the Romans the gospel is clearly defined.

The story that unfolds in Romans can be likened unto a large court room drama. Sitting on the bench as judge is Almighty God. Those on trial are the whole of humanity (mankind). And the prosecutor or district attorney is the apostle Paul. He has just charged all of mankind with breaking God's law. The Jews with God's written law and the Gentiles with breaking the moral laws of their conscience. The verdict is about to be read. God will find all men "guilty." Guilty of a lawless attitude toward Him, impurity in thought, and missing the mark or standard of His perfection.

Why have you thought, "I am basically a good person, I should be able to enter God's heaven," when God says, "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Rom. 3:10)? Does this not include you? God says, "There is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Rom. 3:12). Would you argue this point on the Day that He judges the secrets of our hearts? (See Rom. 2:16)

If we visited a penitentiary and there met a murderer, robber and someone there for tax evasion, would there be a difference in these men? Yes, but in the eyes of the law there is no distinction. Why? For all are guilty of breaking the law. The Bible says that whoever keeps God's law and yet fails in one point is guilty of breaking His law. How many lies does it take to become a liar? How many times does it take lusting after a woman to make one an adulterer in his heart? You cannot say you are basically good, when God says there is none good not even one (Rom. 3:23). Please take time to read the 10 commandments (Ex. 20). The apostle Paul said, "I had not known sin, but by the law" (Rom. 7:7). No one has met the standard perfectly that God's law demands (See Rom. 3:20).

Friend, don't you see that you need a Saviour and the forgiveness of your sins?

You are now in for a big surprise in the eternal law court of God. Just at the time when God begins to read His verdict that we are guilty, an unexpected character enters the court room. It is a substitute that is willing to pay the fine for mankind's guilt. His name is Jesus Christ and He has paid your fine in full. The wages of your sin is eternal death (Rom. 3:23). Do you want your wages, or do you want the mercy and grace that is offered to you by Jesus Christ?

The gift that God now offers you is acquittal in the eternal law court of God. In the Bible it is called being justified or declared right before God, because Jesus has paid the wages of your sins. The Bible says, "Since Christ's blood has made us right with God, even more we will be saved from God's punishment through Christ." (The Simple English Bible) Do you want this acquittal? Do you want this pardon? The value of a pardon depends upon its acceptance by the person to whom it is offered.

Jesus took your sins and offers you His own righteousness for your acceptance before God (See 2 Cor. 5:21). Will you receive His gift? Tell Jesus today that you will trust Him as your Saviour and follow Him as your Lord. "For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rom. 10:13). Are you a WHOSOEVER? Then call on Him ... He's waiting to hear from you.